Questions and Answers
Do I need to sign up for Making Tax Digital?
I am employed and run a side hustle selling goods that I make. My income from the craft business is about £12,000 each year but I also have a salary of £45,000. As my total income exceeds £50,000 does this mean I need to sign up for Making Tax Digital?
First published 3 Jan 2025
By Catherine Heinen, FCCA 1 min read
Making Tax Digital
Self-Assessment Tax Returns
Self Employed
For your craft business, you’ll most likely need to ensure that you are registered for self-assessment and complete a self-assessment tax return by the deadlines. You can read more in our guide to who needs to file a tax return.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax applies from April 2026 for sole traders with qualifying income above £50,000, and April 2027 for sole traders with qualifying income above £30,000.
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Or contact usWhen considering qualifying income, this does not include employment income, as tax is deducted from employment income at source through the PAYE scheme.
Therefore, based on your income you won’t need to comply with Making Tax Digital. However, there are advantages to digitising your records, including efficiencies.
The Autumn Budget mentioned that MTD will become compulsory for sole traders and landlords with income above £20,000 during this Parliament but no timescale has been announced. It’s important to keep an eye on your turnover and any Making Tax Digital updates to ensure you know what you need to do and when.
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Or contact usFirst published 3 Jan 2025
This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.
Catherine Heinen, FCCA
Catherine is a qualified accountant and technical content writer with experience working at mutliple accountancy practices in the UK top 50 accountancy firms according to Accountancy Age. Catherine has significant experience in accounts, tax returns and advising clients. Catherine ensures businesses, business owners and individuals are kept up to date and informed by providing concise and informative technical material.
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